Paramedics in Ferntree Gully now have the facilities they need to quickly respond to local medical emergencies with the opening of a state-of-the-art ambulance branch.

“We’re putting people first with the biggest ever investment into ambulance services giving Victorians the urgent care they need, even sooner.” Minister for Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy said.

“In a medical emergency, every second counts. Ferntree Gully families can have peace of mind that paramedics can respond faster with these state-of-the-art facilities.”

Minister for Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy today officially opened the new $1.4 Million ambulance branch on Dobson Street, Ferntree Gully.

New ambulance branch development replaces an ageing facility, built in the 1970’s, which no longer met today’s modern standards.

New purpose-built facility features 4 ambulance bays and will give hardworking paramedics improved rest areas, a large training room and off street car parking.

In total, about 42 paramedics from 4 teams will rotate through the branch.

“Our $500 Million plan will improve ambulance response times, employ 450 more paramedics, buy new vehicles and build more stations across the state.” Minister for Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy said.

This investment, along with a further $26.5 Million in the Victorian Budget 2017/18, is the largest ever investment in Victoria’s ambulance services.

“Old ambulance branch in Ferntree Gully could no longer service our community. The new modern branch will support our dedicated paramedics to do what they do best, which is saving lives.” Member for Eastern Metropolitan Shaun Leane said.

As a result of the Government’s ongoing investment into and reform of the ambulance system, more and more ambulances are arriving at emergencies sooner.

Code 1 ambulance response times across Victoria hit 81 % in the last quarter an improvement of 6 % on the same period last year and the best June quarter in 8 years.

In Knox City Council area, ambulance response times are improving, with 87.2 % of ambulances now arriving within 15 minutes for Code One emergencies, up from 82.6 % compared to the same time last year.

That means the average response time for an ambulance to reach the scene of a Code One emergency in the Knox City Council has improved from 11:46 minutes to 10:55 minutes.